Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tancu Bilgiç indicated that “Ankara is not concerned about the statements of Greece and the European Union regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of hydrocarbon resources between Turkey and Libya”, explaining that “an objection to this agreement concluded between two sovereign states is incompatible with international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations”.

In his statement, he pointed out that “the efforts of Greece, which is trying to usurp the legal rights of Turkey and Libya, as well as to claim licensed offshore areas, will not yield any results”, stressing that “the European Union’s support for the extremist demands of Greece and its position avoiding honest dialogue and prevent recourse to international judicial bodies, is contrary to its own laws and international law.”

Bilgić called on the member states of the European Union not to go beyond their borders and powers, as well as to respect the sovereignty and equality of states in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations. Yesterday, on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between his country and Libya in the field of oil and natural gas.